Elia paced quietly behind Elidren and Arbelladon as they inspected the talisman then consulted the various texts and books that were strewn about the large table. Trevor stood nearby watching her closely and altogether at a loss of how to handle her current state.
In all their years of friendship, he had never seen her this agitated. Then again, they had never faced such a situation. That one of their kind may be working against them.
They were deep in the bowels of the archives that ran underneath the capital city, the large cavern ceiling decorated with roots from the trees above. It was here where Arbelladon spent most of his time, being the official keeper of all historical texts, though Elidren would often join him when he was not assisting the queen or working with the council.
"It would appear that it is a simple protection talisman," Arbelladon finally said, straightening up.
He looked over at the queen as she stopped pacing and looked over at him.
"You are sure?" she asked. "There is no chance that any sort of other enchantment could have been placed on it?"
"The markings are those of strong protection spells. There is nothing so far that would make me think there are other enchantments," he answered.
"But are you sure?" Elia pressed, stepping closer to him.
"My queen, you must calm yourself," Arbelladon said, a slender eyebrow raising in quiet alarm. "I assure you. It will only protect you."
Relief entered her eyes as they flicked down to the small object,
"Very well," she said, picking up and putting it in her pocket. "It seems Faeranduil kept his word. This time."
Trevor frowned, not understanding just where this fascination with Faeranduil as a traitor had come from. Sure the old codger could be insufferable, but that was just his personality. Elidren flicked his eyes over to him and it was clear her cousin was thinking much the same.
"Is there anything specific that makes you think he could be working with Morgana?" Elidren asked.
"Other than the fact that he's never liked me?" she replied.
"Lia, we both know how he is," Elidren said, barely hiding his frustration. "He has long been against change. Not against you specifically."
"Yes, but of everyone on the council, don't you agree that he is the most likely to go behind my back and align himself with Morgana?" Elia retorted.
Elidren once again looked towards Trevor. The elf wanted to disagree, but the queen had a point.
"He is the most obvious," he conceded.
"Precisely," Elidren said. "Faeranduil is the most obvious choice, making him the perfect scapegoat. The perfect distraction."
Elia snorted again.
"Right, so if it's not Faeranduil, who is it?" she asked, staring up at her cousin.
"Usually it is someone you least expect," Elidren replied.
"I am not convinced," Elia said, starting to walk towards the entrance to the room. "It must be Faeranduil."
Elidren rolled his eyes as Trevor looked over at him, obviously at a loss of what to do.
"Stay with her," Elidren said to him. "Keep a wary eye open. She will eventually come to her senses."
"I have not seen her this agitated before," Trevor said softly so that Elia would not hear.
"Neither have I, but I suspect it is because her mind is weighed down by many things. She will need us to keep her focused," Elidren said.
Trevor nodded, glancing towards the archway that Elia had disappeared through.
YOU ARE READING
The Secret Kingdom
Fanfiction(Merlin Fanfiction) An unexpected encounter in the forest introduces Merlin and Arthur to the long-forgotten world of elves that many had thought faded into legend. But just like that - it's over and gone, with only the memories of the fiery elven p...
